The Fujifilm GFX series has done much to change the accessibility of medium format cameras in the last few years. This brings relatively small mirrorless cameras that perform amazingly well in low light. Fujifilm has continued to grow the GFX line and the GF lenses that complete the system. Today, I had the chance to work with the latest lens in this lineup! That’s the new FUJINON GF45-100F4 R LM OIS WR. This lens fills the spot between the GF32-64MM and the GF100-200MM zoom lenses.
About the FUJINON GF45-100F4 R LM OIS WR
Fujifilm’s GF45-100MM covers a field of view roughly equivalent to 36-79mm in full-frame 35mm, which will make this lens a workhorse for many of us who shoot with a 24-70mm (Full Frame 35mm) as our main zoom lens.
My kit for the day was the GF45-100MM mounted on the Fujifilm GFX 100 camera. This combo felt comfortable in my hand, similar to a “flagship” DSLR with a fast zoom. With this package, I was able to work quickly on location. I took full advantage of the field of view of the GF45-100MM. I captured both wide shots showcasing the location. Also, I captured tighter three-quarter and portrait images (scroll down to see the shots).
Matching the GF45-100MM to this extremely high megapixel body really showcased the resolving power. Also, it shows off its ability to capture tonal range created by the 16 elements in 12 groups (three aspherical elements, one Super ED element, and one ED element) used in this lens design.
What I wanted to do with the FUJINON GF45-100F4 R LM OIS WR
When I found out I would get a chance to work with this lens, I reached out to Marisa. Then, we grabbed a few dresses from Rent the Runway, ready to capture shots. In the studio, I noticed a beautiful gold mural against a deep blue wall. And while the light in the room was plentiful, I decided I wanted some drama with the first gown. So, I set up two Profoto A1 flashes to create a more dramatic side-light while maintaining the feel of the space. Starting out with the 45MM, I was able to capture images showing the grandeur of the space. I then zoomed in to 100MM to also create some more intimate shots without changing anything else (my position, the model, or the lighting).
Takeaway
One thing I really wanted to take advantage of during this shoot was the size and weight of the camera/lens combo. With five stops of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) hand holding this set-up worked perfectly. Plus, the speed and accuracy of the autofocus made working with the GF45-100MM a treat. It’s amazing how quickly you can forget you are holding in your hands a 100-megapixel camera and just enjoy the experience of creating images.
The GF45-100MM weighs in at 2.2 pounds in part due to the internal focusing driven by a linear motor. While we walked to the location in the freezing cold, I was glad we were shooting inside but should note the GF45-100MM can operate in temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius/14 degrees Fahrenheit. The GF45-100MM also has 11 seals against dust and weather.
After shooting some images at 45MM to show the environment, I zoomed to 100MM and made some quick close up shots before we wrapped for the day.
Final thoughts
As I packed the camera and GF45mm-100MM into my backpack, I once again thought of how amazing it was that I could carry such a high-quality and versatile kit in a small day bag and how photographers who wanted to use this for landscapes, nature, or travel could easily hike to remote areas or stroll down the city streets making amazing quality images with a single lens, capturing the environment and the subjects within. Me, I look forward to creating more portraits both in the studio and on location, and this lens might very well be glued to my camera and I wouldn’t mind at all.
The FUJINON GF45-100F4 R LM OIS WR is available for preorder now for at Adorama.
